Obama, Abe talk 'threats' in Ukraine

In a late-evening phone call Thursday, President Barack Obama and Japan’s prime minister agreed Russia’s recent actions in Ukraine are a threat to international peace and security, according to the White House.

Although Obama and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe acknowledged the Russian incursion into Crimea as a threat, both men agreed there is the opportunity for Russia to resolve the situation diplomatically, benefiting its own interests as well as those of Ukraine and the international community.

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Additionally, both countries committed to working with G-7 partners to insist Russia abide by commitments to Ukraine’s sovereignty under the UN Charter and 1997 basing agreement. Following the U.S.’s own aid package announcement, Obama and Shinzo agreed to work bilaterally and through the IMF to support Ukraine as it prepares for elections in May.